Compound herbal extruded body, method of manufacture, moxa sticks, incense or herbal cigarettes

Abstract

The application discloses a compound herbal extruded body, a preparation method, moxa sticks, incense or herbal cigarettes, which comprise the following steps: adopting compound herbal raw materials; crushing the compound herbal raw materials and processing the crushed compound herbal raw materials through a puffing equipment; and preparing the compound herbal extruded body with a porous columnar structure. The compound herbal extruded body is prepared by the above preparation method. The moxa sticks, incense or herbal cigarettes are made of the compound herbal extruded body. The application applies the prescription of traditional Chinese medicine material compatibility and plant manufacturing extruded body material, utilizes advanced test technology, and makes the extruded body through pharmacological experiment and advanced puffing equipment and production technology. The extruded body or the porous tubular extruded body is used to make the compound herbal moxa, incense or cigarettes. In actual use, the application meets the demand of moxa sticks, incense and cigarettes, achieves the practical value and market value of multiple product varieties, wide audience and wide use scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of compound herbal materials technology, specifically relating to compound herbal extrusions, preparation methods, moxibustion sticks, incense or herbal cigarettes. Background Technology

[0002] Moxibustion sticks and solid incense, as important carriers of traditional Chinese medicine therapies, combine the inheritance of traditional craftsmanship with the innovation of modern technology. The production of moxibustion sticks utilizes the principle of air convection to achieve internal and external oxygen circulation, which promotes complete combustion of the moxa stick while reducing the emission of carbon monoxide and carbon particles. This technical principle—achieving internal and external oxygen circulation through air convection to promote complete combustion of the moxa stick—and the corresponding production process are mainly applied in the field of moxibustion sticks. Currently, single-formula moxibustion sticks dominate the market, and most use moxa wool as the main raw material.

[0003] Compared to single-formula moxibustion sticks, compound moxibustion products use a variety of materials, and the ground materials cannot be made into cylindrical moxibustion sticks that can be used normally. Therefore, existing compound moxibustion products all require auxiliary tools to use.

[0004] In addition, existing moxibustion sticks and solid incense products on the market have the following technical defects: 1) Uneven combustion and temperature control defects: Most products have a single-layer solid structure, resulting in a single oxygen supply path and uneven oxygen distribution during combustion. This makes it easy for local areas to burn too fast or too slow, with large fluctuations in the combustion rate and significant time deviations, seriously affecting the stability and continuity of moxibustion sticks and incense combustion.

[0005] 2) Waste of medicinal materials due to improper temperature control: Uneven combustion leads to the loss of effective components in medicinal materials. When temperature control is unreasonable, the temperature in low-temperature areas is often below 150℃ and the temperature in high-temperature areas often exceeds 450℃. This prevents the full release of volatile active ingredients (such as eucalyptol and agarwood furan) in some medicinal materials, resulting in a utilization rate of less than 60%. For example, when Artemisia argyi is burned at low temperatures, the pyrolysis loss rate of eucalyptol can reach more than 40%, significantly reducing its antibacterial effect. On the other hand, local high temperatures (>450℃) can cause the carbonization of heat-sensitive active ingredients. For example, the decomposition rate of safflower yellow pigment in safflower exceeds 50% at this temperature, which greatly weakens its blood-activating and stasis-removing effects and significantly reduces the utilization rate of active ingredients, failing to fully exert the pharmacological effects of the medicinal materials.

[0006] 3) Health risks from combustion particulate matter: The particulate matter emissions from product combustion exceed standards, with concentrations approximately 4.5 times that of tobacco smoke, including PM2.5 emissions reaching 80-110 μg / m³. 3 Prolonged exposure to such environments can increase the incidence of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma by more than 30%.

[0007] 4) Poor environmental adaptability: In high humidity (RH>80%) or low oxygen environment (such as plateau areas), the product is prone to flameout or incomplete combustion, and particulate matter emissions will increase by 30%-50%.

[0008] 5) Limitations of limited functionality: Traditional moxibustion mainly relies on moxa wool, which has a relatively limited function and cannot simultaneously achieve multiple effects such as antibacterial, calming, and dehumidification, thus failing to meet the diverse health needs of modern people.

[0009] In summary, developing a more scientific, environmentally friendly compound herbal extrusion and its preparation method that can meet market demands has become an urgent technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of the shortcomings or deficiencies of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide compound herbal extrusions, preparation methods, moxibustion sticks, incense or herbal cigarettes. This application uses compound herbs as the main raw materials to make extrusions. According to the various combinations of compound herbal raw materials in traditional Chinese medicine and according to the market demand of the products, the extrusions can be used to make extrusion products with various functions, exquisite and beautiful. The new extrusion products, such as moxibustion sticks or incense, realize the universalization of product use methods and are applicable to a wide range of people and scenarios.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solution: This application proposes a method for preparing compound herbal extrusions, including: Made with compound herbal raw materials; The compound herbal raw materials are pulverized and puffed. The compound herbal extrusion was prepared into a porous columnar structure.

[0012] Further optionally, the above-mentioned puffing process includes: using puffing equipment to perform the puffing process.

[0013] Alternatively, the porous columnar structure may have 3 to 25 pores.

[0014] Alternatively, the holes are arranged in a uniform pattern.

[0015] Alternatively, the compound herbal extrusion body is a one-piece molded structure.

[0016] This application also proposes a compound herbal extrusion, which is prepared using the method described above.

[0017] This application also proposes moxibustion sticks, incense, or herbal cigarettes made from the aforementioned compound herbal extrusion.

[0018] The extruded body made primarily from compound herbal ingredients can be cut into standardized extruded bodies of controllable shape and size according to the design, directly producing porous cylindrical extruded moxa sticks, incense, or cigarette products. Its internal physical state features a porous, three-dimensional cylindrical extruded body structure. These moxa sticks, incense, or cigarette products are easily combustible with controllable burning time; they facilitate the triple application of moxibustion therapy, incense, and inhalation; the diameter, length, wall thickness, number, size, shape, density, moisture content, ignition point, smoke emission, aroma, and medicinal properties of the produced products are all controllable.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following technical effects: The extrusion body structure prepared in this application has a porous columnar structure. The porous structure allows for air convection inside and outside the body, ensuring complete combustion of the extrusion body. In the application of traditional Chinese medicine, after being pulverized and thoroughly stirred, the compatibility of the medicines is achieved. The micro-expansion of the raw materials involved improves the air permeability of the extrusion body and promotes complete combustion of the raw materials. It is formed in one step through the extrusion process. In subsequent applications, since the extrusion itself can form a columnar body, there is no need for additional packaging such as wrapping with paper. The process is simpler, saves more consumables, has a higher degree of industrialization, and is conducive to batch and large-scale processing and production.

[0020] This application utilizes a combination of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and plant-based raw materials to prepare extruded products, without adding any chemically synthesized substances. After conducting pharmacological experiments using advanced testing techniques, the extruded products are prepared using high-end puffing equipment. These extruded products possess advantages such as improved air permeability and a lower ignition point, and can be further processed into moxibustion sticks, incense, or herbal cigarette products. In practical applications, these products not only meet the core needs of moxibustion therapy but also cater to the needs of daily incense use and smoking cessation, achieving practical and market value with a rich product range, a wide target audience, and diverse application scenarios.

[0021] This application, based on the inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine techniques for making moxibustion and incense, achieves a deep integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, organically combining the production techniques of traditional moxibustion, incense, and herbal cigarettes with the core characteristics of the product. Simultaneously, this application effectively solves the core pain points of traditional products, such as the harmful smoke, significant temperature fluctuations, and low utilization rate of medicinal materials. It avoids the drawbacks of existing traditionally produced moxa sticks and incense products, including limited product variety, outdated production processes, narrow target audience, and limited applicable scenarios—drawbacks that not only result in low added value but also hinder international promotion. The compound herbal extrusion and its preparation method provided in this application have significant advantages such as ease of industrialization, standardization, and internationalization, simple operation, high production efficiency, low cost, diverse product categories, and excellent quality, possessing extremely high practical and industrial value. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 : A flowchart of a method for preparing compound herbal extrusions according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of a compound herbal extrusion according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a compound herbal extrusion body according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 : A schematic diagram of the porous columnar structure in a compound herbal extrusion body according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1-Extrusion body, 2-Hole. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] In one embodiment of this application, a method for preparing a compound herbal extrusion includes the following steps: using compound herbal raw materials; pulverizing and puffing the compound herbal raw materials; and preparing a compound herbal extrusion 1 with a porous columnar structure. Figures 1 to 4 As shown.

[0026] This embodiment uses a formula of traditional Chinese medicinal materials and plant-based extrusion material 1 (without chemically synthesized additives). Utilizing advanced testing and analysis techniques, and after pharmacological experiments, the compound herbal extrusion material 1 is manufactured using advanced puffing equipment. It employs a porous, two-column structure (see...). Figures 2 to 4 The method shown (increasing air permeability and lowering the ignition point) is used to produce compound herbal moxibustion, incense, or herbal cigarettes to increase the variety and application scenarios of its various products.

[0027] Among them, the selection of raw materials is as follows: (1) medicine and food are of the same origin; (2) the medicinal properties remain unchanged after combustion; (3) no toxic gases and impurities are emitted (in accordance with the relevant national standards).

[0028] It should also be noted that the above-mentioned ingredients are mainly compound herbal raw materials, and other related raw materials that can be used are not excluded.

[0029] In this embodiment, an extrusion device is preferably used for extrusion processing.

[0030] The compound herbal extruder 1 has a porous columnar structure with controllable specifications and shape; It is made into compound moxibustion sticks, incense, or herbal cigarettes. Using extrusion equipment and technology, it produces compound herbal extruded moxibustion sticks, compound herbal extruded incense, or compound herbal cigarette products with adjustable diameter, length, wall thickness, number of holes (3 to 25 holes), size and shape, density, air permeability, dryness, ignition point, odor, smoke content, burning time, and pharmacological properties.

[0031] In the process described above, where the compound herbal raw materials are pulverized, processed into powder materials, stirred, and then extruded using an extrusion device to produce extruded body 1, the extruded body 1 is processed into columnar bodies with different numbers of holes 2 (e.g., 3 to 25 holes) according to the product being produced and different compound formulations, and the ratio of different sizes of holes 2 within the columnar extruded body 1 is also considered. This method can be used to control the density and air permeability of the manufactured extruded body 1.

[0032] In this context, the number of holes 2 can be 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, etc. The above are just examples and do not limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, based on various compound formulations of the three types of products—moxa sticks, incense, and herbal cigarettes—extrusion body 1 products are manufactured using an extrusion device. For example, when a cylindrical product is manufactured, with the diameter and length of the cylindrical product remaining constant, during the manufacturing process of extrusion body 1, the thickness of the cylindrical tube wall is controlled by adjusting the moisture ratio of the material, the temperature and pressure of the equipment, and by adjusting the size and number of the inner holes 2 of the cylindrical extrusion body 1 (see above description), thereby controlling the expansion value of the extrusion body 1. This achieves the technical objective of controlling the internal density and permeability of the cylinder, as well as the actual combustion volume of the extrusion body 1, thereby controlling the efficacy, ignition point, and smoke density of the extrusion body 1 product.

[0034] In this embodiment, the types and selection of Chinese herbal medicine materials are described in detail below: (1) The main materials selected for manufacturing compound extrusion 1 from traditional Chinese medicine materials: Based on the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine, the following herbs are selected for preparation: agarwood, golden mugwort floss, mugwort floss, tangerine peel (dried tangerine peel), clove, soapberry thorn, atractylodes, chuanxiong, vinegar myrrh, bran-fried bitter orange peel, angelica pubescens, costus root, teasel root slices, salt-processed achyranthes bidentata, fangji, cinnamon twig, agastache rugosa, angelica dahurica, agarwood, golden mugwort floss, sandalwood, tangerine peel (dried tangerine peel), clove, and mint.

[0035] (2) Characteristics of the main raw materials of Chinese medicinal herbs: Data Notes: The combustion point fluctuates depending on the moisture content and physical state; the medicinal properties are based on the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and modern pharmacological studies. Practical application requires differentiation of syndromes and compatibility, with priority given to compound formulas that have been proven safe.

[0036] (3) Examples of combustion characteristics: Incense-containing medicinal materials (agarwood, cloves): have a low ignition point and produce little smoke, but cloves are prone to producing thick smoke due to their high oil content.

[0037] Mugwort products: Golden mugwort has a purer smoke and a sweeter aroma due to its purification process.

[0038] Root and rhizome vegetables (Atractylodes lancea, Angelica sinensis): These leave significant combustion residue and require temperature control to prevent smoldering.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, suitable Chinese medicinal herbs for incense are selected, and detailed examples are given below.

[0040] Agarwood: Low-temperature combustion (<200℃): releases agarwood furan and agarwood alcohol, enhancing the calming and soothing effects.

[0041] High-temperature combustion (>400℃): The aroma becomes pungent and strong, and the ability to promote qi circulation and relieve pain is enhanced, but it also depletes qi and damages yin.

[0042] Dried tangerine peel: Combustion changes: Hesperidin is converted into hesperidin, which enhances expectorant effects but irritates the gastric mucosa. clove: Combustion changes: Eugenol vaporizes, producing pungent, thick smoke.

[0043] Astragalus: Combustion enhances the antioxidant activity of flavonoids, but excessive amounts can cause paralysis.

[0044] Atractylodes lancea + Artemisia argyi: Combustion changes: Volatile oils (atractylone, eucalyptol) vaporize at high temperatures, generating smoke with strong penetrating power. Drug property transformation and compatibility synergy: Disinfection fumigation: Atractylodes lancea + Astragalus membranaceus (enhances antibacterial properties, produces mild smoke); Fumigation disinfection: Atractylodes lancea + Artemisia argyi (antibacterial rate > 90%); Active ingredients: Ganoderma lucidum powder + Artemisia argyi (released through slow, low-temperature combustion).

[0045] (4) The compound herbal raw materials used in this embodiment preferably adopt the following three sets of compatibility schemes.

[0046] Option 1: Warming the meridians and promoting blood circulation (primarily targeting cold-induced blood stasis) Chief ingredient: 40% golden mugwort floss. Assistant ingredient: 15% cinnamon twig. Adjuvant ingredient: 8% chuanxiong rhizome + 8% angelica dahurica root. Guiding ingredient: 5% clove + 5% salt-processed achyranthes bidentata root.

[0047] Option 2: Dampness-removing and cold-dispelling type (primarily targeting dampness-related arthralgia and edema) Chief herb: Atractylodes lancea 20% + Artemisia argyi 30%. Assistant herb: Stephania tetrandra 15% + Pogostemon cablin 12%. Adjuvant herb: Angelica pubescens 10% + Citrus reticulata peel 8% + Gleditsia sinensis thorns 5%. Guiding herb: Aucklandia lappa 5%.

[0048] Option 3: Qi and Blood Regulating Type (Primarily Targeting Deficiency and Overexertion) Chief herb: 25% Dipsacus asperoides + 30% Artemisia argyi. Assistant herb: 15% Angelica sinensis + 10% Myrrh (processed with vinegar). Adjuvant herb: 12% Polygonatum sibiricum + 8% Cinnamomum cassia. Guiding herb: 3% Asarum heterotropoides.

[0049] In this embodiment, the selection of the material for manufacturing the extruded body 1 will also be explained in detail below. (1) Material names: tapioca starch, corn starch.

[0050] (2) Based on the formulation of the manufacturing technology of extruded body, the combination of these two materials is more viscous, easier to burn, produces less smoke, less odor and is non-toxic compared to other special extrusion materials.

[0051] (3) Characteristics of raw materials

[0052] In this embodiment, the preferred proportions of the above materials are as follows (based on 100% composition).

[0053] Remark: The three main categories of Compound Herbal Extrusion 1 products—moxa sticks, incense, and herbal cigarettes—have different effects and different formulations.

[0054] In this embodiment, the proportions are based on the following: the fiber carrier must contain starch (≥25%) to ensure the binding properties of cassava starch and corn starch in the extruded body 1 and to prevent breakage during the manufacturing process.

[0055] In terms of specific production processes and procedures: First, the raw materials are pre-treated; then the Chinese herbal medicines are processed by crushing them through a 120-mesh sieve; the cassava starch and corn starch are processed by crushing them through a 120-mesh sieve; finally, they are mixed and conditioned by adding water to the herbs, cassava flour, and corn starch in a certain proportion and adjusting the moisture content to between 13% and 17%.

[0056] Among the above-mentioned raw material processing, it is preferable to classify and process them according to the properties of the Chinese herbal medicine materials and the extruded body 1: (1) Sandalwood, cloves, Sichuan lovage, cinnamon twigs, stir-fried bitter orange peel, asarum, angelica pubescens, costus root, teasel root, salted achyranthes root, fangji, angelica, agarwood, and atractylodes are cleaned of mud, washed, and dried.

[0057] (2) According to the technology for manufacturing extruded body 1: stir-fried bitter orange peel, cinnamon twig, salted eucommia bark, dipsacus root slices, salted achyranthes root, and fangji need to undergo a degumming process.

[0058] (3) Based on the temperature of the extrusion equipment: all solid raw materials are dried at low temperature, with the temperature controlled at ≤85°C, and the moisture content is reduced to 9%.

[0059] (4) Use a fine crusher to add Chinese medicinal materials: crush and grind all solid Chinese herbal raw materials into powder, filter them with a filter screen to make the powder finer than 100 mesh.

[0060] Using the same processing procedure, the raw materials of cassava starch and corn starch are pulverized and filtered through a filter to achieve a powder of 100 mesh or finer.

[0061] In this embodiment, the raw material post-processing and storage procedures are as follows.

[0062] Following the steps outlined above, after using the required raw materials and processing them into powder form, each raw material is stored separately in a container.

[0063] The core process of extruded body 1 will be described in detail below: 1. Detailed explanation and examples (1) The role of graph TB (2) Layout direction: The structure of the control flowchart is vertical (top → bottom).

[0064] (3) Node relationship: Use arrows to connect each process step to intuitively show the production sequence.

[0065] (4) Industry applications: Widely used for process visualization of food, feed and material extrusion processes.

[0066] 2. Example of an extrusion process flow diagram (Mermaid syntax) Core processes and production procedures for extruded body 1: graph LR (Note: In the flowchart of the extrusion process, graph TB is the core identifier in Mermaid flowchart syntax. Its meaning is: graph indicates the definition of the flowchart, and TB is the direction instruction (Top to Bottom), that is, the vertical layout from top to bottom.) Step 1. A [Raw Material Mixing] --> B [Conditioning and Conditioning] Step 2.B -->C [Extrusion Puffing] Step 3.C -->D [Mold Forming] Step 4. D --> E [Cut and shape] Step 5.E -->F [Drying and Dehydration] Step 6. F --> G [Hot air drying] Corresponding real-world process: A→B: Herbal powder + herbal carrier raw material powder + water are mixed and then steam-conditioned; C: High-temperature, high-pressure expansion using a twin-screw extruder; D→F: Mold shaping → Cutting → Hot air drying; F→G: Hot air drying → Hot air drying 3. Summary of key points: TB is a layout instruction; similar instructions include LR (left → right) and BT (bottom → top).

[0067] Standardized tools: Mermaid is a commonly used diagramming language for technical documents and supports direct embedding into platforms such as Markdown / Confluence.

[0068] 4. Value of the extrusion process: Flowcharts allow for quick analysis of bottlenecks (such as excessively long drying times) and optimization of production capacity.

[0069] 5. The specific production process of extruded body 1 is as follows.

[0070] Equipment: Twin-screw wet extruder (die diameter 5mm~15mm); 6. Barrel zone control (temperature + standard pressure): Feeding section: 45~65℃ | 0.15~0.25MPa; Premixing section: 70~90℃ | 0.5~0.7MPa; Compression zone: 115~125℃ | 1.3~1.8MPa; Peak ripening range: 125~135℃ | 4~5MPa; Voltage stabilization range: 115~125℃ | 2.5~3.5MPa; Pre-mold transition: 110~120℃ | 2~2.5MPa; Discharge temperature: 110~120℃ | 1.2~1.6MPa.

[0071] 7. Post-processing and molding: (1) Cutting and shaping: The rotary cutter immediately cuts the extruded body into a cylindrical shape (specifications of extruded body 1: length 5.9cm~49cm, outer diameter 0.5cm~1.5cm; number of holes 2 in the tubular extruded body 1: 3~25; hole size 0.3mm). 2 ~1.5mm 2 (2) Low temperature drying: dry with hot air at 50℃ until the moisture content is ≤8% to avoid high temperature damage to active ingredients.

[0072] 8. Key points to note: (1) Control of puffing uniformity: the fiber particle size should be ≤0.15mm to prevent blockage of the die holes and uneven density; the screw speed should be 200~250 rpm / min; (2) Safety and environmental protection: Chemical foaming agents (such as azodicarbonamide) are prohibited, and pure physical expansion is used; (3) Waste gas treatment: the puffed tail gas is treated by water curtain dust removal + activated carbon adsorption (VOCs removal rate > 90%).

[0073] Optimization table of extruded body production process parameters:

[0074] 9. The production of Green Compound Herbal Extrusion 1 requires focusing on three core aspects: (1) Material compatibility: The blending ratio of Chinese medicinal herbs, cassava starch, and corn starch ensures the puffing framework and the release of medicinal effects; (2) Precise process: Low-temperature extrusion (≤125℃) protects heat-sensitive components and enhances efficacy; (3) Safety redundancy: Physical expansion + natural additives achieve controllable combustion and zero toxic emissions.

[0075] The extruded body 1 after expansion using this process produces three types of products: moxibustion, incense, and cigarettes. It produces less smoke during smoldering and has an ash residue rate of less than 15%, which meets the requirements of traditional Chinese medicine moxibustion therapy and environmental protection.

[0076] 10. The core purpose of puffed Chinese medicinal herbs: (1) In terms of improving drug release and absorption rate: cell wall breaking: the instantaneous high pressure of expansion causes the cell wall of the medicinal material to break, forming a sponge-like porous structure (thin-wall cell wall breaking rate ≥95%), and the release of effective ingredients (such as water-soluble and fat-soluble substances) is increased by 1.9 to 18.4 times; (2) In terms of shortening the extraction time: Traditional decoction takes several hours, but after puffing, it can be absorbed by brewing or chewing, which shortens the extraction time by 70%~85%; the puffed compound extrusion 1 is burned, which further accelerates the extraction time of the medicinal effect.

[0077] (3) It can effectively improve the taste, the experience of taking and smoking; (4) Enhance the medicinal properties of traditional products by burning moxibustion incense; (5) It can effectively remove odors: After puffing, the medicines with unpleasant odors (such as asafoetida and sheep kidneys) have a crispy texture and mask the bitter taste; (6) Ready to eat and convenient: Puffed products can be chewed directly or brewed with hot water without cooking, which is suitable for the fast-paced modern life; (7) It can extend the shelf life and save resources; (8) Enhanced stability: Puffing deactivates lipase, reduces oxidative deterioration, and prolongs the shelf life at room temperature. Reduced dosage of medicinal materials: Due to the increased absorption rate, the dosage required for the same efficacy is reduced, alleviating the problem of shortage of Chinese medicinal resources.

[0078] 11. Formula characteristics: scientific formulation and process adaptation.

[0079] 12. This embodiment preferably uses a food-medicine homology base formulation: Medicinal carrier: Based on cassava starch and corn starch (accounting for 25%~75%), add Chinese medicinal herbs that are mainly used for both food and medicine (e.g., mugwort, mint, agarwood, sandalwood, accounting for 75%~25%).

[0080] 13. Moisture control: The moisture content of the raw materials needs to be adjusted to 13%~17%. Too high a moisture content will cause sticking, while too low a moisture content will result in insufficient puffing.

[0081] Representative products: Zhiyibang Bubble Rice Series: Made from puffed Job's tears, chicken gizzard, etc. into ready-to-eat rice crackers. They are highly rehydrated and can be used as meal replacements or snacks.

[0082] Puffed coffee / tea: Direct brewing retains antioxidants, enhancing metabolism and anti-fatigue functions.

[0083] Further technological extensions: (1) Intelligent diagnosis and treatment integration: such as the ChatiSS system of Zhiyibang, which provides a closed-loop service of "diagnosis-formulation-consumption" based on puffed medicinal food. (2) Sustainable resources: The utilization rate of medicinal and edible materials is improved after puffing, reducing resource waste. Puffed Chinese medicinal materials improve efficacy through physical cell wall breaking, improve taste through basic carrier, and adapt medicinal properties through grading process, realizing the modern transformation of "good medicine is not bitter, moxibustion is combined with incense, and the aroma is more fragrant". Its core formula lies in the scientific combination of medicinal and edible materials, and maximizes the retention of active ingredients with precise puffing parameters, providing a new path for the industrialization and internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, step 1 of the core process and production procedure of the extruded body 1 above, namely raw material mixing → conditioning treatment, is further elaborated as follows.

[0085] Equipment Name: Preferably, a powder mixer (or conditioning mixer) is used; The implementation details involved in this embodiment are as follows: (1) Tapioca starch, corn starch, and Chinese medicinal herbs (e.g., mugwort, mint, agarwood, sandalwood) are added to the mixing chamber according to the formula ratio. (2) Water is added to adjust the moisture content to 13%–17%, and the stirring time is about 3 minutes or more to ensure that the materials are uniform. Temperature control requirements: Some formulas require steam preconditioning (80–90℃) to promote starch pregelatinization.

[0086] Furthermore, step 2 above, tempering treatment → extrusion puffing, is further elaborated below.

[0087] Equipment Name: Twin-screw extruder (mainstream models TB65 / TB70 series); The following is a further explanation of step 3 in the above process and production procedure: extrusion puffing → die forming.

[0088] Equipment Name: Die Head System (integrated into the end of the extruder); Implementation details involved: Mold type: sleeve mold. The diameter of the circular orifice varies between 5.0mm and 15mm, determining the diameter of extruded bodies 1 of different sizes. The sleeve mold with a built-in porous structure causes the extruded material to form a porous tubular structure 2. From the tubular cross-section of the extruded body 1, the inner wall of extruded bodies 1 with outer diameters ranging from 5.0mm to 15mm contains an average of 3 to 25 orifices 2. Smaller diameter extruded body 1 results in fewer orifices 2; larger diameter extruded body 1 results in more orifices 2. However, the size of each orifice 2 is approximately 0.3mm. 2 ~1.5mm 2The distance between the outer wall of the extrusion body 1 and the wall of each hole 2 is between 0.5mm and 2mm.

[0089] Step 4, mold forming → cutting, in the above process and production procedure is further explained below.

[0090] Equipment Name: Rotary Cutting Machine (Synchronous Speed ​​Regulating Type); Implementation details: (1) Cutting method: High-speed rotating blade (800–1200 rpm) cuts the expanded strip instantly. (2) Length control: 5.9cm~49cm (error ≤1mm), achieved by adjusting the conveyor belt speed. (3) The extruded body 1 manufactured according to the design is cut into the designed size using a cutting machine. (4) Anti-adhesion design: The blade is coated with Teflon to reduce material adhesion. A high-pressure twin-screw extruder (such as MST-70) is selected with a servo cutting system, and the drying process is optimized to ensure the integrity of the long product.

[0091] Step 5, cutting and shaping → drying and dehydration, in the above process and production procedure is further explained below.

[0092] Equipment Name: Hot Air Dryer (Multi-layer Mesh Belt Type); Implementation details: (1) Temperature and time: 180–200℃, 3–4 minutes, the moisture content of the semi-finished product is reduced from 13% to 17% to ≤8%. (2) Airflow design: counter-current hot air (wind speed 1.5–2m / s) to ensure uniform dehydration. (3) Energy efficiency optimization: some equipment integrates a waste heat recovery system, saving energy >30%.

[0093] Key process control points:

[0094] Note: The data is based on the technical specifications of the self-expanding production line. In actual application, the parameters need to be adjusted according to the characteristics of the raw materials (such as starch content).

[0095] This embodiment uses extruded body 1 made primarily from compound herbal raw materials. It is processed into a cylindrical extruded body 1 with controllable specifications and shape by applying crushing, micro-expansion, molding (to achieve porosity), cutting, paper rolling, drying, packaging, and storage technologies and equipment. This results in compound herbal extruded moxibustion, compound herbal extruded incense, or compound herbal extruded cigarettes with controllable diameter, length, number and size of pores, shape, density, air permeability, dryness, ignition point, odor, smoke volume, burning time, and pharmacological properties.

[0096] Preferably, the following two preparation methods are used, as detailed below: (Method 1): 1. Graph LR program: Step 1. A [Raw Material Mixing] --> B [Conditioning and Conditioning] Step 2. B --> C [Extrusion Puffing] Step 3. C --> D [Mold Forming] Step 4. D --> E [Cut and shape] Step 5. E --> F [Drying and Dehydration] Step 6. F --> G [Hot air drying] Step 7. G --> H [Quality Inspection and Boxing] Step 8. H --> I [Transportation and Storage] 2. Corresponding real-world process: Step 1. Raw material mixing --> conditioning treatment: Mix the raw materials in the specified proportions together and stir thoroughly.

[0097] Step 2. Conditioning and treatment --> Extrusion puffing: Feed the raw materials into a twin-screw wet extruder.

[0098] Step 3. Extrusion puffing --> die forming: The puffed material is fed into the die through a special device of the puffing machine.

[0099] Step 4. Mold forming --> Cutting and shaping: The extruded body 1 is formed by extruding and expanding the die through the diameter and pattern of the mold.

[0100] Step 5. Cutting and shaping --> Drying and dehydration: The extruded extruded body 1 is cut into extruded bodies 1 with controllable diameter and length.

[0101] Step 6. Drying and dehydration --> Hot air drying, using hot air drying equipment, low-temperature drying treatment.

[0102] Step 7. Quality inspection and boxing: After each item is inspected, it is placed into a box and sealed.

[0103] Step 8. Transportation and storage: The packaged products are stored in the warehouse.

[0104] Specifically, regarding storage: Finished paper products should be sealed and stored in food-grade outer packaging according to production license standards. Physical protection: Tear resistance and compressive strength are required (e.g., grey board paper, white board paper). Barrier properties: Moisture-proof, oil-proof, and impermeable. Printability: Clean and smooth surface, supporting multi-color printing (e.g., aesthetically pleasing printing for outer packaging). Environmental friendliness and recyclability: Compliant with the "plastic restriction order" policy, prioritizing recyclable paper-based materials. Regarding transportation, wooden crates are preferred to prevent damage to the sealed packaging.

[0105] The packaging technology and equipment, along with the scientific formula for using traditional Chinese medicine materials and extrusion materials, are suitable for manufacturing long cylindrical compound herbal moxibustion sticks, compound herbal incense, or compound herbal cigarettes. The diameter, length, porosity, shape, density, moisture content, ignition point, odor, smoke volume, and burning time of the manufactured moxibustion sticks, incense, or cigarettes are all controllable, resulting in an exquisite and aesthetically pleasing product. This avoids the shortcomings of existing technologies that use traditional processes to manufacture moxibustion sticks, incense, and cessation cigarettes, which have a narrow target audience, limited applicable scenarios, and lack of product versatility, leading to low added value. The preparation method of this application enables the manufacture of compound herbal extruded moxibustion, incense, or cessation cigarette products to possess practical and industrial value that is suitable for industrialization, standardization, simplification, high efficiency, low cost, variety, and high quality. The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. The preferred embodiments have been described in detail. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for preparing compound herbal extrusions, characterized in that, include: Made with compound herbal raw materials; The compound herbal raw materials are pulverized and puffed. The compound herbal extrusion was prepared into a porous columnar structure.

2. The method for preparing the compound herbal extrusion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The above-mentioned puffing process includes: using puffing equipment for puffing.

3. The method for preparing the compound herbal extrusion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The porous columnar structure has 3 to 25 pores.

4. The method for preparing the compound herbal extrusion according to claim 3, characterized in that, The holes are arranged in a uniform pattern.

5. The method for preparing the compound herbal extrusion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compound herbal extrusion body is a one-piece molded structure.

6. A compound herbal extrusion, characterized in that, It is prepared by the method for preparing compound herbal extrusions as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Moxibustion sticks, incense, or herbal cigarettes, characterized in that, It is made using the compound herbal extrusion as described in claim 6.

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